When our guests come to our region, they first notice the scent and the colors of nature that surround us. One of the most significant fragrances in our country, which is also a symbol of the Mediterranean, is lavender. You can find it in many gardens of our villas along with other Mediterranean plants. Find out what makes lavender so special and what significance it has for us and our health, so you can take it home with you as a souvenir.

What do we even know about lavender? Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant in the mint family that’s easily identified by its sweet floral scent. It’s believed to be native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India, with a history dating as far back as 2,500 years. When we mention lavender, we immediately think of Provence and its continuous fields of this fragrant plant. But you don’t have to travel to Provence to get to know the charms of lavender. You can visit Dalmatia when you come on vacation, and you will find it at the time of its most intense flowering. They bloom from June to August for about 30 days.

The ancient Romans, except for various religious rituals and birth rites, used lavender mostly for relaxing baths. It is therefore believed that the word lavender comes from the ancient Roman word lavare which means washing. Among the ancient Greeks, lavender was more used for medicinal purposes. Today, we use it in many cosmetic products, as a scented pad to repel moths or mosquitoes, to refresh the space and much more. And because of its distribution in the Mediterranean climate in which it thrives best, it is also called the "Queen of the Mediterranean".

The healing properties of lavender

Lavender flower

Due to its pleasant aroma and healing properties, lavender flower has a wide usage. Dried flowers of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are used for tea. It is a traditional remedy for soothing and relieving insomnia and against headaches. Lavender flower is also effective for colds and respiratory infections. It stimulates digestion and removes harmful substances from the body, and unsweetened tea helps with stomach problems and bloating. Dried flowers are a favorite for filling pillows for relaxation and better sleep. They are used as an additive in the manufacture of homemade cosmetics, lotions, baths. The benefits of a lavender bath are manifold. In addition to the relaxing effect on the muscles, the scent of lavender relaxes and soothes, and the antiseptic properties act on skin impurities.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil has a soothing scent, making it an excellent tonic for the nerves. It helps treat migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, tension and stress. Its pleasant scent removes fatigue and restlessness and increases mental activity. Through the bath, it calms the body, pleasantly cools and stimulates sleep.

Lavender essential oil is an excellent remedy for various types of pain. Regular massage with lavender oil relieves joint pain. Lavender oil is used extensively for respiratory problems, including throat infections, flu, coughs, colds, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis. In these conditions, it is advisable to inhale the oil or apply it to the neck, chest and back.

Lavender essential oil stimulates circulation in the body. Regular use of lavender essential oil boosts Immunity and disease resistance. The health benefits of essential oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. The oil is used to treat many skin diseases, acne, psoriasis, inflammation. It is good for wounds, cuts, burns and helps in the regeneration and healing of scars.

Lavender in gastronomy

The culinary use of lavender is as well-known as its medicinal use. Ancient peoples and civilizations used lavender to make sweets and cakes, season fish and meat and various other purposes. Today, the use of lavender in the diet is increasing again and new applications are constantly being discovered. Lavender has a natural affinity for red meat, game, and poultry; for the rich taste of the fish; and for red and black fruits such as plums, blackberries, etc.

It is also used to flavor desserts like ice cream, sorbets and baked dishes like barbecue.

Enjoy in the scent of the Mediterranean!

your ZadarVillas team